Page 10 of Hacker Beloved

CJ cleared the plates from the table. My heart rate picked up when I realized I had to climb back into bed alone in the dark.

I jumped when Asher touched my hand. “Hey, what’s going on? You turned white as a ghost.”

“It’s nothing. I think I’m going to wander around and find a television to watch late night shows.”

“You’re scared to fall asleep.” CJ didn’t mince words and got straight to the point.

“I shouldn’t be.”

Asher snorted, “Bullshit! If you want, CJ and I can sleep on the floor in your room.”

I glanced between them. “I don’t want you to sleep on the floor. Would it be strange if we all slept in the same bed?”

Asher glanced at CJ, and the two men stared at each other for a moment, almost like they were talking telepathically. After a minute, Asher spoke. “No.”

We walked down the hallway, CJ a few steps ahead of Asher and I. Asher slowed down when we reached my room, but CJ kept walking further down the hall. Asher went straight to the bed and pulled back the sheets. I realized he was still only wearing boxer briefs. CJ re-entered the room with shorts and a t-shirt in hand.

“I thought these might be more comfortable for the night,” he said as he handed them over to me. I took them without a word, retreated to the bathroom, and changed quickly. The fabric felt soft against my skin, and I paused, pressing it against my nose before exiting—smelt like Asher.

I took a deep breath and walked back into the bedroom. Asher was already snuggled beneath the covers while CJ stood at the edge of the bed with his hands on his hips. He gave me a knowing nod before saying, “Get in.”

My mind couldn't help but wonder what would happen if I accidentally grabbed them or touched them in my sleep from the adrenaline still coursing through my veins from earlier events. The realization that I hadn't thought this plan through came crashing down around me as I laid back and stared up at the ceiling.

5

CJ

My fingers tuggedat the zipper of the suitcase. Zayla stopped me before I closed it all the way, placing her hand gently on mine. "Let me check and make sure you got what I need."

I stepped to the side, arching one brow. "You don't think a man can pack a suitcase?"

Zayla flitted her gaze between the bag and my face. "No, but I like certain things to sleep in."

"Okay, go ahead," I said with a wave toward the bed.

She unzipped her case and peered inside, sifting through the contents with an assessing eye.

"How did I do?" I fully knew I didn't pack any underwear. Every pair in her drawer was what I would refer to as granny panties. Zayla's curvy figure should only be clad in lace.

She nervously cleared her throat and refused to meet my gaze. "I'm going to just swap out a couple of things," she mumbled before quickly suggesting I go help Asher.

I crossed my arms and said, "I think you should tell me what you are swapping out."

Her cheeks flared as she stammered an unconvincing excuse. "You did a good job."

"Are you embarrassed to say the word panties?"

Before she could answer, Asher walked into the room. "I took the sound equipment out to the SUV. We should be going."

I nodded. "Zayla was just about to tell me how I forgot to pack panties for her, but the problem is I looked in her drawer, and couldn't find any."

"Really?" Asher raised an eyebrow. "I didn't picture you as someone who goes commando."

"Do you two always speak to clients this way?"

Asher tilted his head to the side, a mischievous smile on his face. "Technically, you aren't a client. We aren't charging you. Plus, we did sleep together in a bed last night. I'm pretty sure I woke up to your arm draped across my chest—and your soft ass pressed against CJ's."

He was spot on. All night, I could feel the heat radiating from Zayla's body as she rubbed against my side, making it impossible for me to fall asleep. All I wanted to do was roll over to run my hands on her curves while Asher moved closer and joined us.

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